Parents charged with child abuse after ‘black magic’ reported in Charlotte

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to a home on Mahogany Drive in east Charlotte on October 21 after a neighbor reported hearing loud screaming and seeing what they described as “black magic rituals.” According to WBTV, officers found the house in disarray with broken windows, trash scattered on the lawn, and dangerous items like large knives and blow-torch lighters left out in the open.

Inside the home, police encountered Gabriel Antonio Santos-Funes and Maria Valladares along with their four children, ages 14, 11, 5, and 3. Court documents revealed that the parents acted erratically, including attempting to rub garlic and a Bible on officers and assaulting them. The children reportedly told police they did not feel safe in the home.

The couple has been charged with four counts of child abuse, assault and resisting a public officer, and malicious conduct. Jail records also show ICE holds were placed on the parents following their arrest.

Neighbors expressed shock at the incident, describing the family as seemingly caring and noting the neighborhood as typically safe. Police found the home in complete disarray, with nearly every piece of furniture and decor destroyed, contradicting initial claims by the family that they were cleaning or that someone else had caused the damage.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, which has drawn attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the parents’ behavior and the welfare of the children involved.